Hand muff with blanket

ABSTRACT

A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus includes a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user, a blanket for covering the lap of the user, and a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching the blanket to the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/149,429 filed Feb. 3, 2009, hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hand muff with a releasably attached blanket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices are used by spectators at outdoor sporting events to protect themselves from cold weather. For example, a stadium blanket can be placed in a spread condition for use as a wrap-around covering or a lap blanket. When used as a wrap-around protective covering, the blanket is draped about the shoulders of the user, and when used as a lap blanket, the blanket is draped across the lap of the user. This class of blankets is particularly well-suited for use by a spectator in an outdoor sports venue, such as an open-air stadium, in which the spectator is normally exposed to the outdoor weather.

However, a problem with stadium blankets is that the hands and arms of the user must be exposed when performing such tasks as applauding, eating and drinking. The user must either adjust the blanket in order to uncover the hands and the arms, or take off a pair of gloves to uncover the hands. Loose gloves are easily lost. One solution to this problem is to use a hand muff having a strap to secure the muff to the user's body. Such muffs typically are tubular in shape and have an opening at each end for receiving the user's hands.

It would be desirable to develop a combination hand muff and blanket, wherein a user can attach the blanket to the muff for use and detach the blanket from the muff for washing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Concordant and consistent with the present invention, a combination hand muff and blanket, wherein a user can attach the blanket to the muff for use and detach the blanket from the muff for washing, has surprisingly been discovered.

In one embodiment, a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of the user; and a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body.

In another embodiment, a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of the user; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; and a first strap attached to said body for securing said blanket in a folded position.

In yet another embodiment, a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprises: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of the user while the blanket is in an unfolded use position; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; a strap attached to said body for attaching said muff around the waist of the user, wherein said strap has two portions, each portion having one end attached to said body and an opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable fastener; and a third selectively releasable fastener attached to at least one of said body and said blanket and adapted to secure said blanket in a folded storage position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above as well as other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with the blanket in a folded storage position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and disengaged from a hand muff;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and disposed on a lap of a user;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention with the blanket in a folded storage position; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with the blanket in an unfolded use position and disengaged from a hand muff.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the steps presented are exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps is not necessary or critical.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a hand muff 12 releasably attached to a blanket 14 by a first selectively releasable fastener 15.

The hand muff 12 has a tubular body 16 with an opening 17 at each end for receiving a hand of a user. Attached adjacent each end of the body 16 is one end of an associated one of a pair of strap portions 18, 20 which cooperate to form a strap 22 that is long enough to extend about the waist of the user. Opposite ends of the strap portions 18, 20 are attached to respective portions 24, 26 of a second selectively releasable fastener 28. In certain embodiments, the strap 22 is adjustable in length. For example, the fastener portion 24 can be moved along the strap portion 18 in a known manner. It is understood that the fastener portions 24, 26 can be any conventional type such as a buckle fastener or a hook and loop fastener. Thus, the muff 12 can be releasably attached around the waist of the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the blanket 14 is in a folded storage position. The blanket 14 can be folded for carrying and retained in the folded position by a pair of third selectively releasable fasteners 30, 32. It is understood that the third fasteners 30, 32 can be any conventional fasteners such as snap fasteners, buckle fasteners, and hook and loop fasteners, for example. It is further understood that each of the third fasteners 30, 32 can be similar to the second fastener 28.

In the embodiment shown, a plurality of retaining straps 34, 36 are disposed around a periphery of the muff 12 and extend around the folded blanket 14 to secure the blanket 14 in the folded position. Opposite ends of each of the straps 34, 36 are attached to respective portions of the third fasteners 30, 32. In certain embodiments, each of the retaining straps 34, 36 is adjustable in length. For example, a portion of each of the third fasteners 30, 32 can be moved along the respective strap 34, 36 in a known manner.

FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus 10 with the blanket 14 in an unfolded use position. The first selectively releasable fastener 15 is provided having a first portion 38 attached to the body 16. A second portion 40 of the first fastener 15 is attached adjacent an edge of a blanket 14. As shown, the portions 38, 40 of the first fastener 15 are conventional snap fasteners known in the art. However, it is understood that the portions 38, 40 of the first fastener 15 can be any conventional type such as a zipper fastener or a hook and loop fastener.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus 10 in use. As shown, the blanket 14 is in the unfolded position and held on the lap of the user by the muff 12. Where a user is not engaging the muff 12, the strap 22 continues to hold the blanket 14 in position on the lap of the user. When it is desired to place the blanket in the stored position, the user folds or rolls the blanket 14 into a stored position and secures the folded blanket 14 using the second fasteners 30, 32. In certain embodiments, the retaining straps 34, 36 are wrapped around a portion of the folded blanket 14 and secured by the third fasteners 30, 32. When it is desired to clean the blanket 14, the portions 38, 40 of the first fastener 15 are easily disengaged to separate the blanket 14 from the muff 12. It is understood that the muff 12 and the blanket 14 can be used separately.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate a combination hand muff and blanket apparatus 10′ according to another embodiment of the present invention similar to the apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1-3 except as described below. Structure repeated from the description of FIGS. 1-3 includes the same reference numeral. Variations of structure shown in FIGS. 1-3 include the same reference numeral and a prime (') symbol. The apparatus 10′ includes a hand muff 12 releasably attached to a blanket 14 by a first selectively releasable fastener 15′.

The hand muff 12 has a tubular body 16 with an opening 17 at each end for receiving a hand of a user. Attached adjacent each end of the body 16 is one end of an associated one of a pair of strap portions 18, 20 which cooperate to form a strap 22 that is long enough to extend about the waist of the user. Opposite ends of the strap portions 18, 20 are attached to respective portions 24, 26 of a second selectively releasable fastener 28. In certain embodiments, the strap 22 is adjustable in length. For example, the fastener portion 24 can be moved along the strap portion 18 in a known manner. It is understood that the fastener portions 24, 26 can be any conventional type such as a buckle fastener or a hook and loop fastener. Thus, the muff 12 can be releasably attached around the waist of the user.

As shown in FIG. 4, the blanket 14 can be folded for carrying and retained in the folded position by a pair of third selectively releasable fasteners 30′, 32′. As shown, the third fasteners 30′, 32′ are attached to the blanket 14 in a pre-determined configuration so that each portion of the third fasteners 30′, 32′ aligns with a respective locking portion when the blanket 14 is in the folded position. As a non-limiting example, each of the third fasteners 30′, 32′ is a conventional snap fastener known in the art. It is understood that the third fasteners 30′, 32′ can be any conventional fasteners such as buckle fasteners and hook and loop fasteners, for example. It is further understood that the third fasteners 30′, 32′ can be attached to any portion of the blanket 14 and/or the muff 12 in order to secure the blanket 14 in the folded position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus 10 with the blanket 14 in an unfolded use position. The first fastener 15′ is provided having a first portion 38′ attached to the body 16. A second portion 40′ of the first fastener 15′ is attached adjacent an edge of a blanket 14. As shown, the portions 38′, 40′ of the first fastener 15′ are conventional zipper fasteners known in the art. It is understood that the portions 38′, 40′ of the first fastener 15′ can be any conventional type such as a snap fastener or a hook and loop fastener.

In use, the blanket 14 in the unfolded position can be held on the lap of the user by the muff 12. Where a user is not engaging the muff 12, the strap 22 continues to hold the blanket 14 in position on the lap of the user. When it is desired to place the blanket in the stored position, the user folds or rolls the blanket 14 into a stored position and secures the folded blanket 14 using the third fasteners 30′, 32′. When it is desired to clean the blanket 14, the portions 38′, 40′ of the first fastener 15′ are easily disengaged to separate the blanket 14 from the muff 12. It is understood that the muff 12 and the blanket 14 can be used separately.

The apparatus 10, 10′ of the present invention provides the hand warming muff 12 attached to the waist of the user. The blanket 14 can be attached to the muff 12 for use in an unfolded use position or for easy transport and storage in a folded position, thereby freeing the hands of the user for other tasks. The blanket 14 can also be unattached for washing and separate use. As a non-limiting example, a material used to form the muff 12 and blanket 14 can be any color or pattern such as camouflage for hunters. The muff 12 and blanket 14 could also include the colors and logo of a particular college displayed thereon.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. 

1. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving hands of a user; a blanket for covering a lap of the user; and a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a strap attached to said body for attaching said muff around a waist of the user.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strap is adjustable in length.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said strap has two portions, each portion having one end attached to said body and an opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable fastener.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said second selectively releasable fastener is a buckle.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first selectively releasable fastener is a zipper.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body has a generally tubular shape.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second selectively releasable fastener attached to at least one of said body and said blanket to secure said blanket in a folded storage position.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second selectively releasable fastener is a buckle.
 12. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving hands of a user; a blanket for covering a lap of the user; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; and a first strap attached to said body for securing said blanket in a folded position.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a second strap attached to said body for attaching said muff around a waist of the user.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second strap is adjustable in length.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said second strap has two portions, each portion having one end attached to said body and an opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable fastener.
 16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first strap is adjustable in length.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first selectively releasable fastener is a snap fastener.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said first selectively releasable fastener is a zipper.
 19. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said body has a generally tubular shape.
 20. A combination hand muff and blanket apparatus comprising: a hand muff having a body with openings for receiving the hands of a user; a blanket for covering the lap of the user while the blanket is in an unfolded use position; a first selectively releasable fastener for attaching said blanket to said body; a strap attached to said body for attaching said muff around the waist of the user, wherein said strap has two portions, each portion having one end attached to said body and an opposite end attached to a second selectively releasable fastener; and a third selectively releasable fastener attached to at least one of said body and said blanket and adapted to secure said blanket in a folded storage position. 